Golf Cart Inspections

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is currently inspecting “street-worthy” golf carts. Ohio Law allows the Sheriff to authorize such licensing in each county, as long as equipment standards are met on each vehicle. To be street legal, golf carts must have headlights, brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield, horn, rearview mirror, license plate lights, and not capable of traveling over 20 mph. An Ohio operator’s license is required to operate the golf cart. There has to be a seat belt for every occupant on the golf cart, children must utilize child restraint seats as required by the Ohio Revised Code, and proof of Insurance must be presented at time of Inspection. Also, your golf cart must have a VIN (vehicle identification number) please know where this is located on your cart and make sure it is clean and readable.
Carts must be Inspected by a deputy at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. This service is provided to all Wood County residents who seek to operate their golf cart on legal roadways within the areas of the county. Individuals must bring the cart to the Sheriff’s Office at 1960 E. Gypsy Lane Rd. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Appointments may be made by calling 419-373-6519. Inspections available by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9:00 – 3:00. Each golf cart that passes inspection will be authorized to purchase a title and registration from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, along with Ohio license plates to make their golf cart street legal. These plates must be affixed to the front and rear of the golf cart. Golf carts that become licensed will be restricted to roadways that are not divided highways or with speed limits greater than 35 mph.
For a detailed list of legal mandates that are necessary for licensing, safety equipment and more information, refer to Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.10 and 4501:2-1. All carts presented for inspection must meet those standards set forth before being considered for inspection. For questions not answered there, please contact Lt. Rodney Konrad at 419-373-6519.
This inspection process does not apply to ATV’S or UTV’S, only golf carts USV (Under Speed Vehicle less than 20 M.P.H.) types.
Golf Cart drivers also are required to follow the same rules as other drivers. For example, DUI laws and insurance laws apply to anyone driving a golf cart on public roads.